MP welcomes apology made to Bassetlaw man forced to work as a “child slave” while in foster care

Sophie Wills

A Bassetlaw man who was forced to work as a “child slave” while in foster care has been issued with a formal apology by Nottinghamshire County Council.

The apology to Terry Lodge, who told authorities about the abuse but was ignored, is the first of its kind. was first made to work on a farm when he was eight and then in a foundry at the age of 11.

As a result Mr Lodge is unable to read. He was beaten and sometimes starved while in the hands of his foster parents.

Bassetlaw MP John Mann has highlighted his case in Parliament and welcomed the apology from the County Council.

Mr Mann said: “For too long people like Mr Lodge were not believed when they brought forward their allegations.

“It is right that Nottinghamshire County Council has now formally apologised and I pay tribute to the bravery of Terry Lodge in bringing this to light.

“The whole issue of children being sold on to farms as slave labour is a scandal yet to fully emerge in this country.

“It shows the level of depravity that was there - but also the collusion.”

Nottinghamshire County Council’s service director for children’s social care Steve Edwards said: “Following a review of Mr Lodge’s case earlier this year, we concluded that he did suffer harm whilst placed in County Council foster care more than 40 years ago.

“We are currently providing support to Mr Lodge and will continue to do so.

“I wrote to Mr Lodge in March to formally apologise to him on behalf of the Council for the care he received while he was in foster care and the failings of those involved in his care to keep him safe.

“When I met Mr Lodge with his MP John Mann on Monday (May 23) I took the opportunity to apologise to him in person.

“Although it is extremely difficult to compare today’s standards of care with those of more than 40 years ago, the quality of care Mr Lodge received was unsatisfactory.

“There were opportunities to protect him which were sadly not acted upon.

“Mr Lodge made a brave and difficult decision when he decided to come forward and I respect and support him for doing so.

“I would encourage anyone who has any concerns about the way they were treated while in care to come forward, no matter how long ago it was.”